
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced immediate direct talks with Lebanon amid European pressure to halt strikes, but Lebanon's demand for a ceasefire creates a direct obstacle. His simultaneous order to "vigorously attack" Hezbollah and continuation of strikes undercut diplomatic momentum and increase the likelihood that negotiations will be delayed or fail to quickly reduce violence and humanitarian suffering. The EU's new sanctions on Hamas and Israeli settler leaders reflect intensifying European willingness to take punitive measures, complicating Israel's diplomatic options and adding pressure that could affect the pace and scope of any talks.
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